Grounds for celebration: Christine Jones receives 2025 Staff Excellence Award

Christine Jones would be the first to tell you that she would rather you admire the gardens she tends to rather than focus on her, but it’s her turn to be in the spotlight as an outstanding University of the Fraser Valley employee.

As the woman behind the scenery, Christine has spent 24 years making our campuses a more beautiful and welcoming place to be (the last eight in the role of grounds supervisor). In recognition of her dedication and above-and-beyond service to UFV, Christine is the recipient of the 2025 Staff Excellence Award.

“I always wanted to be working with plants and the outdoors,” she says. “I’d always had my eye on this course that they had at UFV for horticulture.”

In her mid-thirties, Christine changed careers from office administration to take the Horticulture Crop Production and Protection certificate. She started working as a UFV groundskeeper during her studies… and never left.

“I like the stewardship aspects of it: taking care of the land for current and future generations.”

Christine now oversees a team of five who care for landscaping at the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses and the UFV Aerospace centre on the Abbotsford Airport grounds. No two days are the same — she may be repairing equipment or coordinating contractors, consulting on projects with the Sustainability Office, or working on documents such as the Outdoor Space plan, the Strategic Tree Management plan, or the Grounds Operations safety manual.

Her favourite project to date is the Indigenous Teaching Garden at the Abbotsford campus, a peaceful seating area with short trails to meander through that is enjoyed by employees and students alike.

“It was great to watch the carver do his work, and to work with and learn from the subject-matter experts on the cultural importance of the plants that we were planting,” says Christine. “I just think it’s a great space. I’m very proud to have been a part of it.”

Sustainability has been a key component of all Christine’s landscape improvements.

“When we work outside in the environment, we get to notice all the changes that are happening due to climate change,” she explains. “I started to see that years ago in bird behaviour and plant behaviour. It’s important that we have a path forward towards climate resiliency.”

Christine has taken proactive measures to make UFV’s landscaping more sustainable, such as planting native, climate-resilient species, and reducing water consumption. She also made the switch to battery-powered tools and equipment while banning cosmetic pesticide use.

She was shocked to hear she was selected to receive the award, and notes how every day she’s been supported by many others.

“It’s not something that I’ve done alone,” she clarifies. “There are lots of people who have helped me and who are just as deserving.”

More than a manager or supervisor, Christine sees herself as a mentor and a coach to her employees. She creates a positive, supportive environment that ensures her team feels prepared for and engaged with their work.

“Christine is not only highly skilled, but also a motivating leader who prioritizes the well-being and growth of her team,” says Chris Flood, Facilities Services manager. “She fosters an environment of respect, teamwork, and continuous learning, setting an inspiring example for those she leads.”

David Shayler, Facilities Management Operations director, agrees.

“Through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment, Christine Jones has made a lasting impact on UFV’s landscape and community. Her dedication to excellence makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Staff Excellence Award.”